14-year-old kickboxer dies after ‘full-contact’ title fight

A KICKBOXER aged just 14 collapsed during an unsanctioned fight and died in hospital. Scott Marsden was treated by ringside paramedics after the referee halted the ‘full contact’ contest.

The British Kickboxing Council does not allow under-16s to take part in these bouts, which involve powerful kicks, punches and knockouts.

Scott’s father, who coaches the sport, was in his corner when he collapsed.

He was taken straight from the ring on Saturday night to Leeds General Infirmary where his family kept a vigil at his bedside. They announced yesterday that he had lost his fight for life. Jon Green, president of the World Kickboxing Association England, said the paramedic team at ringside fought tirelessly to save Scott’s life.

But he added: ‘Unfortunately there were complications where additional emergency response was needed to which NHS emergency response requests failed in a way that cannot be comprehended. There are many questions to be answered.’

Witnesses said there was no sign that Scott, who won a world championship in 2015, was in trouble before he collapsed in the English title fight at Leeds Martial Arts College.

His parents Simon, 42, and Joanne, 44, who have two daughters, were away from their home in Sheffield yesterday. They were described as devastated. Scott’s aunt Jackie Marsden said: ‘Scott was a remarkable lad – we were all so proud of him.’

A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesman said paramedics arrived in 21 minutes. He added: ‘All of our staff worked tirelessly to provide the patient with the best possible care and transport him to hospital for further treatment.’